News Release

No travel advisory remains in effect for Red River Valley

Blowing snow causing whiteout conditions

BEMIDJI, Minn. – (7 a.m.) The Minnesota Department of Transportation has lifted a no travel advisory in Red Lake and Pennington counties. Due to blowing snow and whiteout conditions it remains in effect for the western portions of Kittson, Marshall, Norman and Polk counties.

Current driving conditions are most impacted by wind, they are expected to improve as the winds decrease. One to six inches of snow fell across the region and plows have been out since 3 a.m., give them room to work.

MnDOT reminds motorists to be patient while snowplow operators work to improve driving conditions. The majority of snowplow crashes take place during “clean up” when motorists resume their normal speeds.
After a storm motorists should:

Check road conditions at www.511mn.org or call 511; it takes time to get roads back to good driving conditions.

Be patient and remember snowplows are working to improve road conditions for their trip.

Stay back at least 10 car lengths behind the plow, far from the snow cloud.

Stay alert for snowplows that turn or exit frequently and often with little warning. Plows may also travel over centerlines or partially in traffic to further improve road conditions.

Slow down to a safe speed for current conditions. Snowplows typically move at slower speeds.